Why “Declutter Everything at Once” Is Bad Advice for ADHD Moms (And What to Do Instead)

If you’re a mom with ADHD, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Declutter your entire house in one weekend” or “Just follow Marie Kondo’s method and only keep what sparks joy.” Sounds great in theory, right? But in reality, it’s overwhelming, unsustainable, and downright unrealistic for an ADHD brain—especially when you’re juggling kids, work, and the mental load of running a household.

Let’s talk about why this “declutter it all at once” approach doesn’t work for ADHD moms and what you can do instead to tackle the clutter without the stress.

The Problem with “Declutter Everything at Once”

1. It’s Overwhelming

Walking into a messy room and trying to declutter everything in one go can feel like staring at a mountain you have no idea how to climb. ADHD brains thrive on small, manageable tasks—not all-day marathons.

2. Decision Fatigue Sets In

Deciding what to keep, toss, or donate for hours on end is mentally exhausting. ADHD brains already struggle with prioritizing and decision-making, so this approach can lead to burnout fast.

3. It’s Easy to Get Distracted

How often have you started decluttering one area only to find yourself in another room, sorting through a completely different pile of stuff? The “declutter everything” method doesn’t account for ADHD distractions.

4. Perfectionism Takes Over

For many ADHD moms, the pressure to do it “right” can be paralyzing. If you can’t finish the entire project, it feels like you’ve failed—and that’s not fair to yourself.

What to Do Instead: ADHD-Friendly Decluttering Tips

I’ve tried and failed at the “declutter it all at once” approach more times than I can count. Here’s what actually works for me as an ADHD mom:

1. Declutter in Small, Manageable Chunks

Instead of tackling an entire room, focus on one small area, like a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and stop when it goes off.

Why It Works: Small wins build momentum and prevent overwhelm.

2. Use the “One Box at a Time” Method

Grab one box or bin and declutter only what fits inside it. Once the box is full (or empty), you’re done for the day.

Quick Tip: Label your box as “Keep,” “Donate,” or “Trash” to simplify decision-making.

3. Create a “Clutter Hotspot List”

Write down the areas in your home that collect the most clutter—like the kitchen counter, entryway, or kids’ playroom. Focus on one hotspot at a time instead of trying to tackle the whole house.

Pro Tip: Prioritize areas that impact your daily life the most.

4. Build a “Daily Declutter Habit”

Spend just 5-10 minutes a day decluttering. For example, clear out one drawer or pick up items in one room. Over time, these small efforts add up.

ADHD Hack: Pair this habit with something you enjoy, like listening to music or a podcast.

5. Use Visual Cues

ADHD brains thrive on visual reminders. Use clear bins, labels, or even sticky notes to keep your decluttering progress visible.

Example: Label a basket by the door for items that need to be donated.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

Every little bit counts! Take a moment to celebrate your progress, whether it’s clearing one shelf or donating a bag of clothes. Recognizing your efforts keeps you motivated.

Encouragement: Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

How This Shift Changed My Life

Since ditching the “declutter it all at once” mentality, my home feels more manageable, and I feel less overwhelmed. I’m no longer paralyzed by the size of the task because I know every small step is moving me closer to a clutter-free home.

If the traditional advice has left you feeling stuck or frustrated, give these ADHD-friendly strategies a try. Remember, mama: You don’t have to do it all at once. One step at a time is enough.